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Record Setting BBA Summer Jobs Program Kicks Off

This morning, the Boston Bar Association kicked off the 21st year of its Summer
Jobs Program, officially sending 64 Boston Public High School students to
work at various law firms, law departments, and legal organizations throughout
the city.

The breakfast event featured Mayor Martin J. Walsh, a
staunch proponent of providing summer employment opportunities for Boston youth.
Mayor Walsh, who spoke about the importance of providing educational and
professional summer jobs for teens at the BBA's Law Day Dinner on May 12th,
reiterated his support for the program and encouraged the students to make the
most of their opportunity, stating, "You can start to build your career this
summer, and you can start to build your dream."

Doreen Rachal,
President of the Massachusetts Black
Lawyers Association, offered keynote remarks on her own early professional experiences
and her legal career. She encouraged the students to step out of their comfort
zones and aim high, building morale and prepping them for the full, stimulating
summer ahead.

A
collaborative effort between the BBA, Boston Private Industry
Council, and the City of Boston to reach a diverse population of bright,
motivated high school students, the BBA Summer Jobs Program places Boston
Public High School students in law firms and legal departments to give them a
better understanding of the legal profession, allow them to earn money and learn
during the summer months, and ultimately encourage them to pursue professional
opportunities. The students selected for the program have demonstrated their
energy, talent, and motivation, and are able to help in all areas of office
work. Throughout the course of the summer, students will also complete a
financial literacy program, participate in a mock hearing at City Council, tour
the Adams Courthouse, and take part in other enrichment seminars.

Of the
64 positions, 14 are funded through the Boston Bar Foundation and generous
contributions from donors, and will provide summer work experience at
nonprofits, government agencies, and legal services
organizations.

Special thanks to Summer Job
Steering Committee Co-Chairs Jeffrey Mittleman (Holland & Knight) and Matthew McTygue (Edwards Wildman Palmer) for their careful planning and
coordination, and to the firms that have committed their time and
resources in accepting these students:

*Firm has committed to taking more than one student
**Firm has funded position for government or nonprofit
legal office
***Firm has committed to taking four students
++This year, the
Boston Bar Foundation's M. Ellen Carpenter Fund will be funding summer jobs for
14 Boston Public Highs School students at public agencies and nonprofits this
summer. Learn more about the fund here.

The Boston Bar Association traces its origins to meetings convened by John Adams, who provided pro bono representation to the British soldiers prosecuted for the Boston Massacre and went on to become the nation’s second president. Its mission is to advance the highest standards of excellence for the legal profession, facilitate access to justice, serve the community at large and promote diversity and inclusion.